Intercessions and prayer in memory of Gerald Ford

January 2, 2007, is a national day of mourning in remembrance of Gerald R. Ford, former president of the United States, who died on December 25, 2006. Here are intercessions and a prayer that you might choose to include in Masses on that day.

Intercessions

Called to serve his country in a difficult time, Mr. Ford humbly stepped forward to lead this nation. Now called to eternal life, may he fully enter into the peace promised all God’s children. We pray to the Lord.

Mr. Ford gave the country an example of radical forgiveness. May all who seek reconciliation, even when it seems impossible, find in his actions the courage to offer and ask for pardon and mercy. We pray to the Lord.

In life, Mr. Ford participated in governing and exercising authority in the name of the common good. May he and all the dead now enjoy the greatest good of God’s kingdom. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer

Most faithful God,
lively is the courage of those who hope in you.
Your servant, Gerald, worked tirelessly to build bridges among people
and to bring peace to a nation torn by scandal.
Yet he placed his trust in your mercy,
believing always in your goodness.
Confident that the petition of those who mourn
pierces the clouds and finds an answer,
we beg you, give rest to Mr. Ford.
Do not remember his sins but look upon his faith,
and grant him refreshment, light, and peace.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.